The Art and Science of Adult Learning – A Teaching and Learning Handbook draws on more than 40 years of experience in training. Former airline captain Anne Sølvsteen combines real-world training insight with well-established research on how adults learn most effectively.
The handbook provides practical guidance on how to plan training sessions, create a learning environment that supports participation, present knowledge in meaningful ways, and assess trainee performance effectively. Based on hundreds of training courses delivered across industries, the handbook helps trainers move beyond simply delivering training and start inspiring learning.
Language: English
Page numbers: 102
Publication date: 16-03-2026
Format: Softcover & Pdf
Delivery time: We ship your products within 5 working days.
Chapters: 01: The trainer’s role: 02: The learning process; 03: The fundamentals of teaching and learning; 04: The teaching process; 05: Training programme development; 06: Questioning techniques; 07: Training philosophies; 08: Techniques of applied instruction; 09: Student evaluation and testing; 10: Debriefing and feedback techniques
Instant digital download
Practical takeaways
40+ years of experience
Format
Paperback version and digital PDF (Practical trainer checklist included)
Length
102 pages organised into ten chapters
License
You are free to use, adapt, and integrate the materials included into your own training programmes
HOW TO USE
The Art and Science of Adult Learning is designed as a practical reference for trainers. Each chapter focuses on a key element of effective teaching – from planning a session to facilitating learning and providing feedback.
You can read the book from start to finish or use individual chapters as inspiration when preparing your training.
WHO IS IT FOR
This handbook is written for trainers responsible for planning and delivering training within their organisation’s programmes.
It is particularly relevant for CRM trainers, Human Factors trainers working in aviation and other safety-critical industries.
It is also valuable for professionals preparing to move into instructional roles.
WHAT’S INCLUDED
The handbook includes practical tips and trainer insights that you can easily apply directly in your own training sessions.
It combines practical teaching experience with learning research to explain not only what works, but also why it works when teaching adults.
It concludes with a Trainer Checklist to support you in preparing, delivering, and evaluating a training session.
Preview access (Chapter 1)
We have gathered the most frequently asked questions from our customers to help you in the best way possible
Our teaching and learning handbook is written for trainers responsible for planning and delivering training within their organisation’s programmes. It is particularly relevant for CRM trainers, Human Factors trainers, instructors, and professionals working in aviation and other safety-critical industries.
You will learn how to plan and structure training sessions, create a learning environment that supports participation, present knowledge in meaningful ways, facilitate discussions, and provide effective feedback to learners.
You will receive both a digital version (PDF) and a physical paperback copy sent directly to you.
The handbook is inspired by the structured teaching philosophy used in aviation training, but the principles of adult learning apply across many professional training environments. Trainers in healthcare, safety-critical industries, and other professional training settings will also find it relevant.
It covers elements such as how to plan training sessions, create a supportive learning environment, present knowledge clearly, facilitate discussions, and provide effective feedback.
The topics are based on the EASA teaching and learning framework used in Train-the-Trainer programmes for SFI/TRI instructors.
The handbook includes the following chapters:
01: The Trainer’s Role
02: The Learning Process
03: The Fundamentals of Teaching and Learning
04: The Teaching Process
05: Training Programme Development
06: Questioning Techniques
07: Training Philosophies
08: Techniques of Applied Instruction
09: Student Evaluation and Testing
10: Debriefing and Feedback Techniques
